High-Protein Caprese Salad Recipe Is Summer's Perfect Salad (5 Ingredients, 5 Minutes) High Protein Recipes Salads Side Dishes Gluten-free Vegetarian Vegan Italian Recipes Farm to Table Recipe

If you ask me, it's just not summer until you've enjoyed a Caprese salad. With vine-ripe tomatoes at their peak of sweetness, fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh-picked sweet Italian basil, the delicious Caprese salad is an absolute must. This high-protein Caprese salad recipe is summer's perfect salad!

While several different origin stories have circulated about the Caprese salad, there are a couple of facts that most people agree upon: the salad was created on the Italian island of Capri, and its vibrant tricolors (green, white and red, represented by the basil, mozzarella and tomatoes) were intended to be a visual tribute to the Italian flag. It's a gorgeous salad that is matched only by its irresistible flavors. Plus, check out the health benefits of tomatoes, the health benefits of fresh mozzarella and the health benefits of basil. This salad is a wonderful addition to a healthy Mediterranean diet.

There's also some debate about how to dress this simple salad. Some would say a Caprese should have only a drizzle of olive oil, others would say a sprinkle of salt and pepper is OK, while still others prefer a drizzle of quality balsamic vinegar. I've tried these variations and, honestly, they're all delicious. But my current favorite is fresh ground pepper and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The glaze adds a slightly sweet and savory finish to this lovely salad recipe.

To make this stunning Italian salad recipe, all you need to gather are the following gluten-free ingredients: fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, balsamic glaze and freshly ground black pepper. You layer the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, then top it with the glaze and pepper before serving. So easy!

You can serve this flavorful Caprese salad as a vegetarian lunch or as a satisfying side dish with just about any dinner. I served it with a petite filet and it was amazing. Feel free to try all the dressing variations to see which ones you like best!

Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 large tomato (about 1 1/4 cups), sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or torn (plus additional for garnish, if desired)
• 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper(or to taste)

Here's how to make it:

1. On a medium to large plate, layer the tomatoes, mozzarella and basil leaves.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the salad.
3. Top with the pepper and additional basil, as garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.
    
4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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